Hormonal skin concerns during the menopause

Dark marks are becoming more visible

Many women are startled when they suddenly notice discolouration on their face. These often appear on the cheekbones, the forehead, the décolletage or above the upper lip. Sometimes the marks have been there for a while but suddenly seem more noticeable. In our boutiques we regularly hear women assume these marks will fade on their own. That usually does not happen. Pigmentation marks often become visible slowly and stand out most when the skin looks less even than before. Would you like to know more about pigmentation marks and what you can do about them? Read Understanding and reducing pigmentation marks.

Spots at an age when you no longer expect them

You thought you had left acne behind you, then suddenly spots appear again. We see this regularly during the menopause, particularly around the chin, jawline and neck.
Many women find this one of the most frustrating skin changes. The skin feels drier and yet blemishes still develop. As a result, women often reach for products that dry the skin out, when what the skin actually needs is balance.
Do you recognise recurring spots or inflammation beneath the skin? In Understanding and treating adult acne you can read more about this subject.

Products that were always fine suddenly sting

Perhaps this sounds familiar. A cream you have used for years suddenly feels less pleasant. Or a serum that was always fine suddenly causes redness or a burning sensation. During the menopause we regularly see the skin becoming more sensitive. Some women notice this as red cheeks, others as skin that reacts more quickly to changes in temperature, stress or skincare. When your skin reacts more quickly than it used to, it is often wise to take a critical look at the products you are using. In Calming and strengthening sensitive skin [] you can read about the signs of sensitive skin.

Your face is slowly losing its contours

Many women do not notice it straight away in the mirror, but they do in photos from a few years ago. The jawline looks less defined, the skin around the cheeks changes and facial contours seem to soften. This change usually happens gradually. That makes it hard to pinpoint exactly when it began. Even so, a loss of firmness is one of the most frequently mentioned skin changes during the menopause. Fine lines can also become more visible. This often goes hand in hand with changes in skin texture and appearance. You can read more about this in The best approach to skin ageing for firm, radiant skin [The best approach to skin ageing for firm, radiant skin].

Several skin concerns at once is completely normal

Dry skin, pigmentation marks, redness, sensitivity and a loss of firmness. Many women experience not one concern but a combination of different changes.
This can make it hard to work out for yourself exactly what your skin needs. A product that works well against dryness, for example, does not automatically do anything for pigmentation marks or a loss of firmness. This is why at Babassu we always consider the complete picture. The visible concern does not always tell the whole story.

Recognition is often the first step

Many women wonder whether their skin concerns really are related to the menopause. In practice we find that most of the changes described above are very recognisable for women in this stage of life. Would you like to understand better why these changes occur? Then How your skin changes during the menopause is a natural next read. Curious which ingredients, products and treatments can help? Read Skincare during the menopause to keep your skin radiant [].

Frequently asked questions about hormonal skin concerns during the menopause

Why do I suddenly get pigmentation marks during the menopause?
Many women encounter pigmentation marks for the first time during the menopause. Hormonal changes can cause pigmentation marks to become visible more quickly or to darken more than before.

Can the menopause cause my acne to return?
Yes. Spots and blemishes occur regularly during the menopause, particularly around the chin and jawline.

Why does my skin suddenly react to products that used to work well?
During the menopause the skin often becomes more sensitive. As a result, products that were pleasant for years can suddenly cause redness, irritation or a burning sensation.

Why am I losing firmness in my face?
Many women notice during the menopause that facial contours soften and the skin looks less defined. This is one of the most common changes during this stage of life.

Which skin concern is most common during the menopause?
Dryness comes top of the list. Alongside this we see plenty of pigmentation marks, sensitivity, redness, loss of firmness and skin that is less radiant than before.